The Oklahoma City Thunder’s historical start to the season continues on Monday evening as they prepare to host the struggling Orlando Magic. After a solid start, the Magic have been unable to find their way the last few games after losing Paolo Banchero to a torn oblique. Without him, Orlando’s offensive struggles have only worsened, and while their defense has become their identity, it’s not much use when you can’t put the ball in the hoop.
The Thunder has been proficient on both ends of the floor, and after winning their first 6 games of the season by at least 12 points, they have more than just OKC fans talking about the potential of this team. While it may be easy to wade into championship talks, the important thing right now is to take the long 82-game regular season a day at a time. The Thunder is a big favorite yet again tonight, and if all goes according to plan, they should be able to take care of business and add to their hot start.
Game Details
Tip-Off: 8:15 PM CT
Location: Paycom Center (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)
Television: FanDuel TV – Oklahoma
Radio: WWLS 98.1FM OKC The Sports Animal
Twitter: Follow @ZacharyLowNBA for live tweets and discussion during the game
Game Notes: Oklahoma City Thunder Official Game Notes, Orlando Magic Official Game Notes
Projected Starters
Thunder
- PG: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- SG: Isaiah Joe
- SF: Luguentz Dort
- PF: Jalen Williams
- C: Chet Holmgren
Magic
- PG: Jalen Suggs
- SG: Anthony Black
- SF: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
- PF: Franz Wagner
- C: Wendell Carter Jr.
Injury Report
Thunder
- Alex Ducas (G League — two-way) is OUT.
- Adam Flagler (G League — two-way) is OUT.
- Isaiah Hartenstein (fractured left hand) is OUT.
- Nikola Topic (left ACL surgery recovery) is OUT.
- Jaylin Williams (strained right hamstring) is OUT.
- Kenrich Williams (assigned to G League) is OUT.
Magic
- Paolo Banchero (right oblique tear) is OUT.
- Goga Bitadze (tendon strain in left foot) is QUESTIONABLE.
- Wendell Carter Jr. (tendonitis in right knee) is QUESTIONABLE.
- Mac McClung (G League — two-way) is OUT.
- Trevelin Queen (G League — two-way) is OUT.
Head-to-Head
- Since arriving in Oklahoma City in 2008, the Thunder is 22-10 against the Magic in the regular season (13-3 at home, 9-7 on the road).
- Since arriving in Oklahoma City in 2008, the Thunder has won the season series with the Magic 7 times, lost it once, and tied it 8 times.
- The Thunder went 2-0 against the Magic last season (1-0 at home, 1-0 on the road).